I have a lifted 96 legacy l sedan and I'm looking to install a forester transmission and differential. My question is will any year forester transmission not bolt up? Or will just about any year up to 08 go in without any issue? My legacy has a ej22e. 

Any 5 speed NA will work. Just make sure you get the matching diff ratio. There are two different rear diffs, both are r160 but one is a “five bolt” and the other deemed a “one bolt” which isn’t entirely accurate. 

The five bolt has five bolts holding the plate around the axles onto the side of the diff. The “one bolt” has a sound dial like the gearbox has. 

You’ll have a five bolt. Best to stick to this type of unit as I believe other physical bits changed on the diff. You can source the required diff ratio from other models. If you get a 4.111:1 diff ratio in the gearbox, I used to source this rear diff ratio from Gen1 autos. It could be the same for the Gen2. The Gen1 has stub axles, not sure when they crossed over to the driveshaft inserted setup - never looked into it.

Cheers 

Bennie

3 hours ago, el_freddo said:

Any 5 speed NA will work. Just make sure you get the matching diff ratio. There are two different rear diffs, both are r160 but one is a “five bolt” and the other deemed a “one bolt” which isn’t entirely accurate. 

The five bolt has five bolts holding the plate around the axles onto the side of the diff. The “one bolt” has a sound dial like the gearbox has. 

You’ll have a five bolt. Best to stick to this type of unit as I believe other physical bits changed on the diff. You can source the required diff ratio from other models. If you get a 4.111:1 diff ratio in the gearbox, I used to source this rear diff ratio from Gen1 autos. It could be the same for the Gen2. The Gen1 has stub axles, not sure when they crossed over to the driveshaft inserted setup - never looked into it.

Cheers 

Bennie

Thanks for the insight. That's exactly the kind of info I was hoping to get! This spring I'm hoping to find a donor car so that definitely points me in the right direction. Transmissions and difs are about the only thing I haven't had to mess with since owning subarus. 

Thanks buddy

I should also have said that the phase two boxes are stronger but also crossover to the shaft in to the diff setup, this removes the diff stub axle setup you have in your car, so front driveshafts will be needed too. 

Someone will know for sure as to what driveshaft will work in your Leggo  

Cheers 

Bennie

9 hours ago, el_freddo said:

I should also have said that the phase two boxes are stronger but also crossover to the shaft in to the diff setup, this removes the diff stub axle setup you have in your car, so front driveshafts will be needed too. 

Someone will know for sure as to what driveshaft will work in your Leggo  

Cheers 

Bennie

Interesting? I'll have to look for some examples and really study my setup next time I'm under it. Sounds like I should be on the hunt for a donor with a phase 2 box and five bolt dif and front axles to match. Thanks my man, that helps alot.